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Please email NewsTrain Project Director Linda Austin if you would like to be notified when applications open in early 2019 to host NewsTrains in 2020. The application deadline will be in April 2019.

Hosting NewsTrain brings home affordable training in the skills that matter most to journalists in your area.

NewsTrain workshops begin with a request from a host committee of journalists from an area in the United States or Canada.

Who is on a host committee?

A host committee consists of six to 10 representatives from local news organizations, regional AP bureaus, state press and broadcast groups, journalism association chapters, and college journalism schools.

How does my committee apply?

There is an online application form for the committee to fill out. This is the form for 2019; it will give you a sense of the questions that are asked, but applications are closed for 2019.

How are sites selected?

NewsTrain staff and APME board members examine the applications from host committees. They are looking for enthusiastic host committee members who will aggressively market the workshop to members of their organizations and others to achieve attendance of 100. They are also looking for geographic diversity in the sites.

How far out does planning begin?

Planning begins six months before the workshop. Once your area has been selected to host a NewsTrain workshop, the host committee chair will receive a needs-assessment worksheet, host guide and back-out schedule. The host committee chair works with the NewsTrain project director and program assistant to plan the workshop, manage registrations and run the workshop. Once the area's critical training needs have been determined, NewsTrain assembles top-flight instructors to deliver a program of training to address them.

How long are the workshops?

A NewsTrain can last either one or two days.

What does it cost to host a NewsTrain?

The host committee’s financial obligation includes supplying a light breakfast, lunch and snacks for either a one-day or two-day workshop attracting 100. It should seek local sponsors to cover that cost, which can run $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the length of the workshop and catering costs. The host committee also markets the workshop regionally and secures a venue, usually a free or low-cost university site.

What is the attendance target?

The attendance target is 100 journalists, journalism students and journalism educators. Host committees are responsible for promoting the workshop and recruiting participants regionally. APME markets the workshop nationally and accepts registration payments on its website.

What is the cost to attendees?

The early-bird registration is $75 for either a one- or two-day workshop. Those registering within the last month before a workshop pay $85. At each workshop, the APME Foundation offers five diversity scholarships that cover the registration fee. The host committee is responsible for promoting the scholarships and vetting applicants. The committee also negotiates a reduced rate at a nearby hotel for attendees; that rate should require no financial commitment from the committee or APME.

"It’s simply the best training ever. APME has a winning formula, combining the ‘workshop-in-a-box’ format with a customized training approach to meet the needs of the host region….Novice reporters and senior management alike leave feeling inspired and rejuvenated about their profession….The organization, program development and execution of NewsTrains are top-notch. – Tina Ongkeko, managing director for member services, News Media Canada, and host committee chair in Toronto in 2012 and 2019, Vancouver in 2014 and Halifax in 2016

"Hosting a NewsTrain gives you the opportunity to tailor high-quality training that will be accessible and affordable for your staff. It’s worth the investment of your time and effort.” – Angie Muhs, executive editor, State Journal-Register, and host committee chair in DeKalb, Illinois, in 2015

How long has APME been sponsoring NewsTrain?

APME's sponsorship of NewsTrain will enter its 16th year in 2019 with workshop No. 93.